trailer hitch receiver m56x

[vr4z06gt]

Hi All,

Does anyone make a trailer hitch receiver for a 2012 M56x? I can find them for an M37x but not the M56x. I would like to use my trailer hitch bike rack on this car if at all possible.

Thanks in advance!

[Ilya]

Let me know how this goes...I'm definitely interested in this too but I feel like it's too much work removing the bumper, etc. I would imagine the M37 one is fine because the body of the car is identical...so the 2012 M37 one from Curt is fine.

http://www.carid.com/2012-infiniti-m37- ... 38647.html

If you do this, let me know how much it costs for the whole project, etc. I want to get a small trailer to tow my bikes (motorcycles).

[vr4z06gt]

I've been thinking this has to be the case, but it puzzles me why no manufacturer would list that as an option...I wonder if there is some subtle difference?

[Ilya]

I've been thinking this has to be the case, but it puzzles me why no manufacturer would list that as an option...I wonder if there is some subtle difference?

Or just bad research on their part.

[SwissCheeseHead]

Ilya, you started a thread just over a year ago lol
trailer-hitch-infiniti-m-y51-2011-t598570.html

I thought I remember seeing something around here.

[armybrat]

According to the OEM parts list, the rear panel assembly behind the bumper that this hitch bolts on to is the same for both cars, part #791001MA0A.

[Ilya]

Ilya, you started a thread just over a year ago lol
trailer-hitch-infiniti-m-y51-2011-t598570.html

I thought I remember seeing something around here.

Yep I did, and after I learned that I'd need to remove the rear bumper, tail lights, etc. I said screw it. Too much work.

[SwissCheeseHead]

Ilya, you started a thread just over a year ago lol
trailer-hitch-infiniti-m-y51-2011-t598570.html

I thought I remember seeing something around here.

Yep I did, and after I learned that I'd need to remove the rear bumper, tail lights, etc. I said screw it. Too much work.

Damn, that sucks. I was toying with the idea of a trailer hitch and the kinds of things that I could use it for, but if it requires all of that stuff, then maybe I'll scratch it. I thought that all it required was a bit of trimming? Maybe a trailer with taillights and harness built in, so you wouldn't have to deal with all that stuff?

I haven't looked into too much (way too many other things going on) but it shouldn't seem too bad? I have no idea lol.

[Ilya]

No, you need to remove that stuff in order to get to the spot of how you bolt the hitch brace to the car...then it all goes back on. You do have to trim the rear underbody shield or whatever. There is actually a guide of how to do the install: http://www.carid.com/images/curt/traile ... ctions.pdf

[InfinitiAce]

I put a trailer hitch receiver on my M37 so I can carry my mountain bike. I just went to a hitch installer. I paid about $300. They did not remove the bumper or anything else. They just mounted it right below the bumper. It looks pretty good and works perfectly.

[Ilya]

I put a trailer hitch receiver on my M37 so I can carry my mountain bike. I just went to a hitch installer. I paid about $300. They did not remove the bumper or anything else. They just mounted it right below the bumper. It looks pretty good and works perfectly.

Hmm interesting. Will have to see if I can find someone like that locally here.

[vr4z06gt]

I purchased a curt unit. I will plan on installing it this weekend if at all possible. I'll let everyone know how it works out.

[Debonair]

I purchased a curt unit. I will plan on installing it this weekend if at all possible. I'll let everyone know how it works out.

Take lots of pics! Maybe a full DIY.

[Ilya]

I purchased a curt unit. I will plan on installing it this weekend if at all possible. I'll let everyone know how it works out.

Take lots of pics! Maybe a full DIY.

This this this! If I can do it without removing all of the stuff...I'll do it myself (have a lift and air tools at home).

[vr4z06gt]

I did end up installing the unit this weekend on my M56x. Fits like a glove. I do wonder why curt (and others) didn't specifically list this model (or the non x, m37 for that matter) as a compatible vehicle. I didn't end up taking to any pictures, the curt instructions are actually fairly straight forward and provide all photos needed; plus my car was fairly dirty....

It does appear you need to remove the bumper, there is an EPS piece between the bumper cover and bumper that needs to be removed as well as the loosening and removal of factory bolts, and the installation of curt supplied bolts to mount the hitch and remount the bumper. Took about 90 minutes, as specified in the paper work, which included finding tools and parts my daughter 'helped with'.

Overall very clean install, hangs below bumper by ~1.5" (no bumper cover modification required), which is about the same level as the exhaust tips (give or take).

Once I clean the car I will take photos of the completed install for those curious.

[Ilya]

Did you have to remove the lights too? If it's just the bumper, I might tackle it.

Also, what are you (or anyone else reading this) going to do for lights if you intend to use a trailer? That's my other dilemma...there doesn't seem to be a trailer harness made for this car because companies probably assumed no one would ever tow with something like this.

[vr4z06gt]

You do have to pop off the tail lights in order to remove the upper bumper cover fasteners. It didn't take very long to do. The most difficult part of the install was removing the lower bumper and wheel well fasteners as road grime/salt/etc made the plastic a little brittle and provided for enough friction.

As far as a wiring harness...it is my understanding is that infiniti explicitly states not to tow with this platform. My guess would be that after market companies don't want the liability of providing parts for an activity against manufacturers recommendations. The receiver could be used for a bike rack (my intention) or something else which isn't towing related but still requires that specific hardware.

[Debonair]

For trailer wiring you can just tap into the cars wiring using a universal kit. You tap into three wires and ground the fourth. This is how it was done for years before companies starting making vehicle specific harnesses, and how it's still done for cars too new or uncommon to have a harness available. Most trailer or truck shops will even do this for you if you want, for a charge of course.